Letter to the editor: Portage health department serves us all

Wednesday

Apr 24, 2013 at 4:00 AM

As a Kent City resident, I am unable to vote for the Portage County Health Department levy that is on the May 7 ballot, However, I am equally aware that Kent is part of Portage County and that my health depends, in part, on how well all three of the county's health departments are able to do their jobs.

Mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus or rabid raccoons do not recognize political jurisdictions. Neither does ground water or the water in our rivers or streams.

Further, there is a need for much stronger food inspection throughout Portage County. Clearly, in a county covering 500 square miles with food services of one kind or another throughout this vast area, our health is potentially at risk.

Without adequate oversight, the important preventive work in which the Portage County Health Department engages, cannot protect all of us as we should be.

Portage County has not passed a health levy since 1955. I urge those citizens who can vote to support the health of Portage County to vote "yes" for the levy on May 7.

Iris J. Meltzer, Kent

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.